Meet the site
Delambre Island lies at the eastern end of the archipelago, well offshore. The Marine Life Network describes branching Acropora gardens on the north side and fringing reefs on the west and east slopes, with fish-covered slopes at 5–14 m. It is also one of the most important flatback turtle rookeries in the region.
Its remoteness means few divers visit; it is usually reached on longer charters or private boats from Dampier or Point Samson.
About the Dampier Archipelago: the archipelago's 42 islands off Dampier and Karratha hold one of the most diverse marine environments in Western Australia, with more than 650 recorded fish species, coral reefs, sponge gardens and seagrass meadows — all set against red Pilbara rock and the world's largest concentration of Aboriginal rock art on the Burrup Peninsula (Murujuga). It is heavily fished and boated by locals but lightly dived, and visiting divers usually go with Pilbara Dive and Tours or a local club. The combination of big tides, turbid inshore water and strong currents means the outer islands generally offer the best visibility and coral, and dive timing is planned around slack water.
Planning notes: Open Water certification is recommended and the site is rated intermediate. Expect to spend most of the dive around 10 m, with a maximum of about 14 m. Access is by boat only, and site selection depends on wind, swell and tide on the day. Currents are significant, so timing around the tide is part of the plan. Best season: April–October (outside cyclone season; best visibility in cooler months). Traffic: moderate (occasional charters/club dives).
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Delambre Island is recorded as Island in Pilbara & Dampier. The listed access is boat (day trip). Confirm the actual meeting point, route and permission to visit; a map pin does not establish any of these.
Topics flagged by the stored research
These are questions prompted by the existing notes, not a verified or complete hazard assessment.
- Current and timing
- Ask how the operator assesses the current window for the actual route. Historical tide notes are not a departure instruction.
Historical access notes exist for this record, but have not been independently verified for current use. Request current directions from the operator or site manager rather than following an old entry description.
Questions, answered
Is Delambre Island suitable for my certification?
The record lists Open Water. That does not establish suitability for every route or day. Share your training, recent experience and equipment needs with the operator and ask about the specific proposed dive.
Can I book Delambre Island through YouDive?
YouDive is an independent research directory. Contact an operator directly to confirm whether it currently runs the trip, the inclusions and the booking terms.
What you might see
Branching Acropora corals, reef fish, flatback and green turtles
Location
Outer island in the eastern Dampier Archipelago with branching Acropora gardens on its north side and fringing reef slopes east and west, 5–14 m.
Facilities nearby
Dampier boat ramp and Withnell Bay ramp: parking, toilets at Dampier. Air fills, hire and cylinder testing at Pilbara Dive and Tours, Karratha.
Before you make plans
Conditions, access and operator schedules can change. This is a location guide, not a dive plan. Ask a local operator about current conditions and suitability for your training and experience.
Sources & further reading
marinelife.org.aukarrathaadventuresports.com.aupilbaradiveandtours.com.aukarrathaiscalling.com.auRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.